St. Landry democrat., 1887-04-02

in truth, having got mere, no hattef
how, and 50 acknowledged to Massareene
that she has thought it worth her while
to give up for his sake one of the most
brilliant concerns of the season, she is q
little frightened, little impatient and
yet a good deal glad.
"Millicent,' says Gerald, dropping into
the chair near her, ''that you have come
mt all is 50 much more than | dared hope
for that | would now entreat you to let
my JOY continue by being kind to me for
the short hour we may be together"
His tone is very sad, in spite Of the JOY
he mentions. Old Miss Duran, looking
kindly at the two young people who
have descended into her midst and cast
such cloud of sunshine upon the dull,
stately dr. awing room, reads as clearly as
though it were all in print before her
that this young mantle son of her dead
cousin--is breaking his heart for love of
the pretty, slender girl staring so sol
EMMY into her tea cup, and that the
pretty girl is not altogether indifferent
about 1t.
"Rless me. And hear she ie to be
married to that nephew of Lucy Brands.
Well, TO judge by her face, [ should say
her heart Is not in it. Poor young things!
Evidently they have entered into the bliss
ful realms of love. Cupid's darts have
found lodging in their tender Breasts
Sometimes Miss Duran, in spite OF the
linglcts, INDUCED in flights of poetic
fancy. How romantic! How full of
pathos, That dear boy!-why, / can see
him 1windling away before my eyes.
Quite wreck be is becoming, though art
and his tailor may try to dclude me.
Well, | must see what can be done. Ger
Md my dear, do you think Miss Grey
would like to see that painting Of your
grandfather that adorns the west
wall of the library 1t is well worth
visit, assure you, my dear Miss Grey.
Do let Gerald persuade you to look at It.
A masterpiece, | assure you. One of
Lely's brightest etfortsn'
Come" says Gerald, i'll low ,entreat-
sng tone.
Aiillicert hesitates for a moment, and
then according to custom, is lost.
She rises, gives her cup to him to lay
upon table near, and with bright
smile and glance directed to her hostess
follows him out of the room.
Although his spirits have risen almost
oeyond his control, Mr.. Massa1eCne be-
HAYES himself wonderfully until the hall
is crossed and the library gained. Then,
[ regret to say, he considerably forgets
himself He throws honor to the w!:ids,
and taking Grant Boyle's tiancee in his
arms, strains her to his heart
"Darling OF my hearth whispers he.
with sigh of passionate gladness.
At Miss Grey's conduct on this occasion
am also bound to express regret. In
stead of the Indignation she should have
shown, she simply pushes him away
from her With very lenient hand, and
laughs little.
s'Was there ever such bad boy" says
she, standing back from him with palm
extended to keep him off. Are You to-
tally without grace:'
''On the contrary, l am filled with it!
I have gained-you."
''Gained?'
"Millicent, will you tell me now that
am nothing to your"
"Certain1y not; you are always, as
hope, my very good friend''
II am not. am your lover, or moth
ing!'
ut is not good for woman to have
two lovers"
Call Boyle lover9 Pshaw!" says
Mr.. Massareene with fine contempt.
Compare him with me, and where are
you:'
"Why heref'' says she, laughing. And
then all at on ;e her gayety comes to an
end, and her face clouds. Alas cries
she, "what is to be the end of it all?''
"St Georges, Hanover square, re-
turns he, with undiminished courage.
Eyes; with Grant as bridegroom
"With me, you mean. Sweetheart,
why can you not break all these chains
that bind you, and give yourself as your
heart directs5'
Miss Grey has subsidized into tears, and
a big chair.
'sIf only dare" sobs she from behind
her handkerchief.
At this half admission Mr.. Nassau
eene's hope rises fortyfold.
eff 20" dared-what them" he asks,
kneeling beside her and possessing HIM
self of one dainty hand.
Imight-learn-wh happiness really
means
with me, you meanF"
ooh, Geraldr whispers she; and then
it is all over, and she is caught to his
breast, and for little while the world is
forgotten by both.
Being the woman, she is the first to
awake from the happy dream.
at is madnessr' she says lifting hel
head and gazing at him with fearful eyes
mot if you will trust to me. Not il
you are sure of that you honestly love
me. Speak to me, Millicent! Why dc
you turn your head away? You do love
me?'
At this she let's her gaze return to his.
81 wish I had never seen YOU she
says with trembling lips.
THAT is hard speech, my darling
at is true, though. If I had never
seen you, might have been willing tc
conclude this contract with Grant,. If
had never seen you, / could never
have''---
go on.
''Loved youn'
She bows her head upon her hands anG
bursts into fresh tears.
Mr.. Massareene draws her head dowr
upon his shoulder.
'Don't cry like that, Millicent, say.